LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

fflqpjrijii !f 0. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





1 



THE BEAUTIFU 



BY 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 



/ 

NEW YOEK: 
Baker & Taylor, 
J^o. 91 Bond St. 
1885. 



Copyright by 
1885. 



Electroiyped by E. B. Sht-ldon & Co., New Haven, Ct. 



DEDICATION. 



TO THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTIFUL, AS UNFOLDED IN THE 
WORKS OF THE GREAT CREATOR ; AND WHOSE ENDEAVOR 
IS TO MAKE THE LIFE HAR.MUNIZE WITH NATURE'S 
PURE AND HALLOWED TEACHINGS ; THESE 

essays, through heartiest sym- 
pathy, stand dedicated by 

The Author. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGS 

I. The Beautiful — Prefatory 7 

II. The Beautiful in Landscape Forms ... 13 

III. The Beautiful in the Grass and the Trees . 17 

IV. The Beautiful IN the Flowers 24 

V. The Beautiful in the COxMmon Earths ... 27 

YI. The Beautiful in the Raindrop ..... 32 

Vn. The Beautiful IN Light and Air ..... 36 

VIII. The Beautiful in the Heavens 39 

IX. The Beautiful in the Human Face .... 43 

X. The Beautiful in the Arm and Hand ... 50 

XI. The Beautiful in the Voice 54 

XII. The Beautiful in Character 62 

XIII. The Beautiful IN Obedience 66 

XIV. The Beautiful in Politeness 71 

XV. The Beautiful in Respect ........ 77 

XVL The Beautiful in Kindness 84 

XVII. The Beautiful in Fidelity 89 

XVIII. The Beautiful in Friendship 92 

XIX. The Beautiful in True Piety 99 

XX. The Beautiful IN Charity . , 102 



THE 



BEAUTIFUL. 



CHAPTER I. 

PREFATORY. 

in thine hour of gladness go and listen 

To the merriest songs, in copse and grove , 

In that of sadness, where sunbeams glisten^ 
With the clear, blue sky beaming bright above. 

Go in thy gladness, go in thy sadness, 

And each pulse of joy is gently heightened, 
While the heart's deep sadness thus is lightened, 

Through Nature's earnest, loving lessons. 

The love of the beautiful is the purest love 
the heart may know. In its essence, it becomes 
the love of the Creator Himself, the source of all 
beauty. This love instructed, leadeth unto Him, 
so naturally, whose munificence has ordained that 
life's humblest pathway may be gladdened with the 
charm of the beautiful. Thus opening our eyes to 
the gift of the beautiful, so richly bestowed, is to 
be made happier and better ; while to live as we 



8 



The beautiful. 



oftener do, with the eye closed to pleasant objects, 
and the ear to sweet sounds, does in so much de- 
prive the soul of improvement and the heart of a 
pure joy. 

In strict truth, too, we may say, it is a very false 
judgment that makes us deem those only blest 
whose appointments bear evidence of great ex- 
penditure ; for the fact really is, the ever beauti- 
ful is accessible to all. To illustrate such state- 
ment, we need but call up the objects most hap- 
pily suggestive, or richly embodying this quality, 
throughout the whole realm of nature, and we 
shall plainly see that the intrinsically beautiful 
makes the common possession. 

If choosing from objects universally accessible, 
and contrast with others that some accident of 
commerce or art has placed such price upon that 
wealth alone can enjoy, even then it will appear, 
that we have only established an exception, of par- 
tial bearing, when the intrinsically beautiful must 
remain, as ordained, for universal possession. 

From objects that confessedly charm, represent- 
ing the general and exceptional class, take the 
diamond and dew-drop. Their influence upon 



PREFATORY. 9 

light is similar, and to this influence they owe their 
classification among objects, beautiful. Placed 
side by side in the sunshine, and which is the more 
resplendent ? The globular form of the dew-drop 
gives it an equable play of color. The diamond is 
more intense and changeful, but not more beauti- 
ful, and is far less useful. 

Known in its flash and brightness to the few 
alone, the diamond, too, is far less spiritual than 
its compeer, for nothing need excel the ethereal of 
the dew-drop, and surely nothing is more intrinsic. 
To the world of vegetation it is more inspiriting 
than the fabled nectar at Olympian feasts. The 
dews, too, are everywhere in generous amplitude. 
They at once enwrap the hill and plain. The 
mountain itself is embraced in dewy folds. In 
the morning sunlight, the display presented to the 
delighted vision is far beyond the glitter and cir- 
cumstance of imperial garnishing. Then, too, 
when the blest mission of the dew-drop is com- 
plete below, it mounts upward into the full blaze of 
day, to glide for its time amid fields of ether, 
living its life of ceaseless change and immortal 
beauty. 



I a THE BEAUTIFUL 

In further argument, that the intrinsically beau- 
tiful is for common enjoyment, aside from the in- 
terdict of art, commerce and wealth, we may pre- 
sent the model, and the painting. The model is 
the fair face and form of nature, upon which all 
may look, with full liberty to enjoy. But the 
painting, like the diamond, is for the few alone. 
It is produced to grace the gallery, or the palace 
of wealth. But it is still true, that however ex- 
quisitely executed our painting may prove, glow- 
ing in the tints a Titian blends or wrapped in the 
spiritual grace of Raphaelle ; breathing w^ith life 
or writhing with pain, as the hand of Angelo de- 
scribes ; still the painting, with all its transcend- 
ent merit, must fall below the excellence of the 
model. Art being, at best, but the rapt learner, 
while nature, all our own, is the accomplished 
teacher. So her rich landscape, which she has 
spread out, whereon all may rapturously gaze 
day by day, without money and without price, is 
far superior to its representation, even at the 
hand of genius in its highest inspiration ; where 
truth, imagination and taste have chosen to pre- 
side ; where we are impressed with the charm of 



PREFA TOR V. l j 

the conception, and the exquisite excellence of the 
execution. 

Yes, the beautiful in its grand and graceful love- 
liness, in perfect and winning sweetness, has been 
created for the charm of life's every pathway, even 
to the lowliest. We mark its presence around the 
humble cottage, adjusting the symmetry of the 
little floweret, or beaming from softened hue of 
its petals, or suggesting the agreeable by its odor. 

We mark, too, the extended power of the beauti- 
ful, and feel it the common gift, as spread out 
in the wide fields of tender green. In their partic- 
ular objects, too, we are conscious of the same 
power. The tree, as it sentinels the rich mead, 
shades the highway, or protects the rural home, is 
everywhere a thing of beauty. So our wants, as 
our hearts declare. 

The clear springs, the laughing brook, and the 
graceful, winding rivulets are so common and so 
lovely ; and so the glad sunshine and gentle rains. 
On the restless ocean, too, is impressed the charm 
of the beautiful. We feel, too, the same power 
stealing down upon us with every glance we send 
upward toward the overhanging skies. The sea 



THE BEAuTii^UL 

and sky generously vie in this loving and lovely 
expression, whether lighted by the splendor of 
day or reflecting the chastened glory of the night. 

All these varied objects, and so many more, be- 
yond enumeration, are ever beautiful, intensely 
beautiful, bestowing the charming, in which all 
have the common ownership, given as a rich pos- 
session for every human heart. 

This love of the beautiful, of which each indi- 
vidual is capable in greater or less degree, we 
repeat, is truly a deep, pure love, a love that 
gladdens, refines and ennobles. This undefinable 
presence which eludes analysis, gives power to the 
material to awaken in the soul the sweetest har- 
monies. The varied objects around us are thus 
made eloquent, teaching sweet lessons and 
imparting pure joy. Let us listen and learn, as 
He would have us do, who has made the inspira- 
tion of the beautiful to become an unfailing source 
of enjoyment, a gentle refiner, and as a holy pres- 
ence to the universal heart. 



CHAPTER II. 



The Beautiful in Landscape Forms. 

address to the reader. 

In love of the beautiful go thou forth ; 

Be joyous, thankful, 'mid this fair bright world 

Our God hath made so lovely for us all. 

Mark the charm in varying changeful form, 

But see in life a deeper, fuller glory. 

Tread where the fields are softly green, and flowers 

Spring in vast profusion ; now sweetly pale, 

Or purely white, or rich in warmer hues. 

Accept this lesson, — God hath wrought to please. 

My appreciative reader, as we look abroad and 
pleased attention is awake to the beautiful around 
us, we must feel ourselves arrested by the pleasing 
variety we behold in landscape forms. The hill 
and dale, the mountain and the level, become the 
primary objects that excite in us a pleasing inter- 
est. The beautiful in landscape views is height- 
ened by the variety, and not less by the contrasts 
in which its forms appear. The eye travels over 
an extended level, and finds it set in a framework 



14 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

of lofty highlands. This view is felt to be more 
suggestive of the beautiful than that of the richest 
fields, wanting this contrasting outline. The hills 
are charming, but viewed with the sleeping vales 
between, the beautiful in each is but the more 
impressive. Thus landscape forms possess great 
power to delight, whether viewed in the morning's 
fresh brightness, in the midday splendor, or in the 
calm hush and softer light of the coming eve. 

My dear reader ! is yours a New England 
home? If so, your native hills stand in constant 
illustration of the beauty in the ever varying 
landscape forms. You see those hills near or 
distant, now seemingly well rounded, and sloping 
to the narrow, terraced levels. Again they appear 
more broken and rugged. They may be crowned 
on one hand with the waving grain, on the other, 
with coronal of forest. But, whether thus in 
repose, or animate with the w^hitened flocks or 
careless straying herds, these hills, and their deep- 
ened valleys between, are very lovely, under all 
these charming conditions. 

The bountiful administration to the souPs de- 
sire for the beautiful is richly expressed by the 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN LANDSCAPE FORMS. 

varying surface the entire world presents. Any 
particular portion may well be considered the more 
desirable, where is combined within limited space 
the greatest variety of landscape conformation. 

How large compensation is offered for rigorous 
climate and less genial soil by New England, in 
her alternate hill, mountain and dale. But my 
reader's home may not be here. It may be, seem- 
ingly, nearer the setting sun, and where the partic- 
ular aspects of which we have spoken are not so 
constantly familiar. On the contrary, it may be 
where extended levels predominate for miles, and 
miles, without intermission. Through these lower 
regions wind deep and broad rivers, which some- 
times sever and at other times encircle. The 
rivers but sweep the outer borders of the higher 
table-lands, yet everywhere contribute to fertility. 
They water regions not so picturesque, but still 
the home of great agricultural wealth, of vast 
cities, and a high civilization. 

But New England is happier in her more power- 
ful incentives to quickened thought and unceasing 
action, which are born amid mountain shadows 
and the lessons of the everlasting hills. Indeed, 



l6 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

the power of landscape form is immense upon 
character and happiness. In its changeful mani- 
festations it thrills the heart with the grandly 
beautiful, and ennobles by its hallowed inspira- 
tion. 



CHAPTER III. 



VegeTxAble Life, 
the grass and the trees. 

We learn from merest form, 

Lessons so full of power; 
But life, glorious life, 

Comes with a richer dower — 
Lovely, everywhere, 
In earth, the sea, and air. 

W E may seem to tread carelessly the dull, 
senseless earth, yet we feel it speaks to the soul 
within us. But more impressive is life as we see 
it in the grass, the trees, and the flowers. The 
bare, rugged, or the rounded hill may attract the 
gaze. But clothed in luxuriant greenness, and the 
suggestion of the beautiful has now far greater 
power. The grassy hills and productive plains 
are ever lovely to the eye. The rich, grassy past- 
ures delight in their present and associated beauty 
al^o. 

It was, at once, a charmingly philosophic fancy 
of the Hvely Greek, that made the divinities of 

2 



1 8 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

Olympus delight in the pastoral fields and the 
quiet flowery vales ; that made them choose the 
shepherd's life when exiled from celestial seats. 

These mythological magnates made a happy 
choice in employment and locality, if they must 
exchange their seats in heaven for sojourn upon 
our earth. It was indeed charming to walk, to 
sport, to recline at will amid the softly green 
^^elds and listlessly stray among her ambrosia- 
breathing vales. Then how very delightful to be 
canopied by day with the bluest skies, and by 
night the brightest. Thus devoted to the simple 
and beautiful, and not less to the philosophical, 
were the divinities of the ancient Greek. But it is 
from fact rather than mythologic fable that we 
may learn the chaste beauty and simple excellence 
that may pertain to the shepherd's peaceful life, 
charming and contemplative. It was to this class, 
the Judean shepherds, made so receptive through 
communion with the pure and beautiful, that the 
heavenly choir first sung the glad anthem of 
''peace on earth and good will to men." Blessed 
were those shepherds upon Bethlehem's grassy 
slopes, our hearts repeat, and blessed too are all 



VEGETABLE LIFE. ig 

those thus disposed to understand the exceeding 
love and goodness of the great Creator, speak- 
ing from the hills and vales, and even from the 
humble blades of grass — the grass so lowly and 
yet so abundant, whose mission it is to express 
the beautiful in eternal verdure. 

But with all its sweet and suggestive lessons, its 
utility and beauty, the grass must yield in the im- 
pressive to a more marked, perhaps more poetical 
and useful feature in every striking landscape — the 
tree. The grass and the trees grow from the same 
cherishing earth. The trees are also in abundance 
and endless in variety. Some dwarfed and lowly 
in type, others lofty, varying according to species 
and climatic influences. 

Some trees are clothed in perpetual verdure, 
others, and those particularly in temperate cli- 
mates, cast their leafy glory at regular intervals. 
The coloring of the departing leaf is simply inde- 
scribable, and inimitable in its perfection. The 
fall of the leaf does not signify death, but becomes 
the illustrator of a beautiful life, forever renewed. 
Again, in all climates, the trees delight with their 
abundance of fruit, and often with the rich juices 



20 



THE BEAUTIFUL. 



they yield. But whether pleasing thus or winning 
the eye with gracefulness, or awing by size or age, 
the trees under all these circumstances are profuse 
in the suggestion of the beautiful. 

The pine in all its very wide family delights by 
its unchanging greenness ; it is the same under 
Norwegian, Chilian or Californian skies. 

The maple we love for its shade and luxuriance 
in its offering of sweetness. " VV^e must plant the 
maple by our new home," said a sturdy emigrant 
who had settled near the headwaters of the Mis- 
souri ; there is no home without the presence of 
the trees we have known and loved." In all the 
profusion of tropical vegetation, the palm may be 
regarded as a most marked feature. The palm 
excels in the charm of symmetry. Its uniquely 
graceful foliage and massed fruit crowns regally its 
lithe, shaft-like stem. Among the many trees of 
this family we find the boast and beauty of the 
warmer regions of the earth. Of the trees of tem- 
perate climates the classic elm and oak deserve es- 
pecial notice. The oak, so unlike the palm, is 
strong and broadly spreading. The protective 
and religious are the elements of its peculiar 



'VEGETABLE LIFE, a 

beauty. We may not wonder that the ancient 
Druid chose its shade for his place of worship. 
The oak appeared to his benighted soul the symbol 
of the divinity he would find in the works of na- 
ture. But a purer light has long since arisen 
upon the land, where Druidical superstition once 
ruled, and the brave old oak stands, all unsullied by 
the darkened fable, and cruel superstition with 
which it was intertwined. It is redeemed, stand- 
ing the personation of utility, strength, and beauty. 
It will remain the striking feature of the English 
landscape, and the pride of the American forest. 

Glancing back to that far off beginning, when 
the tree was called to its appropriate rank and 
place in the works of creation, we note the saluta- 
tion of " good " greeting the trees — these won- 
derful trees that made the primal forests of our 
earth I What vast treasures were enshrined in 
these forests ! Their prevalence and beauty must 
have been sufficient to imparadise the new earth. 

The angelic eye, resting upon such pervading 
charm, must have deemed this world of ours, in its 
primal state, to be another heaven of beauty. 

Indeed, could the countless ages that have 



22 



THE BEAUTIFUL. 



passed retreat backward, and reveal to the gaze 
but one view of the newly-garnished earth, that 
view asked would be the earliest investing forest, 
those rich luxuriant forests, now changed in place 
and form, from which we derive the cheerful light 
and genial heat. How immense, how lofty, how 
grandly beautiful these forests must have been 
when their product is inexhaustible. 

The trees, from the day they were called to 
exists grew everywhere and in unparalleled luxu- 
riance. 

They were matured by a heat more than tropi- 
cal, and watered, by mists more cherishing than the 
rains. These trees still grow everywhere, in less- 
ened height and lessened glory it is true. But 
they are still profuse in the expression of the 
beautiful and prodigal in utility. In the most at- 
tractive landscape trees constitute the principal 
charm. They soothe by refreshing shade. They 
stand as the trusty sentinels around our pleasant 
homes. Their presence is so delightful to the un- 
tired gaze of chidhood, and so tenderly pleasing to 
the eye of age. " Spare that tree " w^hose shade is 
sacred to childish sport, whose softened and beau- 



VEGETABLE LIEB. 23 

tiful light, too, has rested upon the upturned brow, 
when faith and hope first mingled in the soul's 
prophetic dreams. " Spare that tree " whose deep 
religious awe is more profound than the dim cathe- 
dral arch. " Spare that tree," for the hand that 
planted and nurtured its growth guided my way- 
ward steps into the path of obedience and piety. 

Spare the trees." They are the richest embel- 
lishments of the field. They are the faithful guar- 
dians around our cherished homes. The altars 
are shrined beneath their shade, where we breathe 
forth our holiest desires, and offer the most pro- 
found devotion. 

"The groves were God's first temples, ere man learned 
To hew the shaft, or lay the architecture, 
And spread the roof above them ; ere he framed 
The lofty vault, to o;ather and roll back 
The sound of anthems." 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Beautiful in Flowers. 

Flowers ! when the Saviour's calm benignant eye 
Fell on your gentle beauty — when from you 
That heavenly lesson from all hearts he drew, 
Eternal, universal, as the sky — 
Then, in the bosom of your purity, 
A voice he set, as in a temple shrine. 
Speaking in tones so sweet, almost divine. 

Hemans. 

We acknowledge the beauty in landscape forms. 
We are penetrated by the charm of green fields, 
and we must ever admire the spreading tree. But 
pervading as beauty is, in each advance we make, 
while dwelling upon nature's charms the perfect 
whole cannot be reached without rehearsing that 
of the more charming flowers. Charmine in their 
depth of color, and charming in their manifold 
tintings; charming in their symmetry, and charm- 
ing in their unchanging gracefulness ; charming in 
their delicate odors and intensely sweet perfume ; 
charming as folding the principle life, and declar- 
through their changes the finally immortal. 

The rounded hills and winding grassy vales, the 



THE BEA UTtFUL IN EL 0 WER^. 2 ^ 

boundless plain, the mountain lifting itself toward 
heaven, arrest the eye. So doth the tree, sending- 
its lithe shaft on high, or less lofty, when it stands 
in firm columnar strength, win us by its protection, 
and make us happy in its beauty. But the exquis- 
ite charm, that can bedew the eye, and melt the 
heart, has been given to the less aspiring, modest, 
graceful flower. 

No one, however obtuse, can be wholly insensi- 
ble to the pleasing beauty of the flowers , a beauty, 
we repeat, so perfectly wrought in endless form, 
varied coloring, delicate fragility, and delicious 
fragrance. Of these objects so lovely we are al- 
lowed to say that they perfectly subserve the end 
for which they were created. The flowers, more- 
over, are allowed to remind one of the lost loveli- 
ness of Eden. They constanth- wear the smile of 
a fairer and happier world than ours. Wherever 
the flowers bloom it is to beautify and charm anew 
the face of nature. It is a part of their mission 
now to soothe the heart in sadness, while they 
make more joyous the festive hour. The flowers 
brighten the chamber of sickness and impressively 
decorate the consecrated altar. To them also is 



26 



THE BEAUTIl'VL 



given power to throw a soft subduing influence 
around the deepest shadows of the tomb. 

The presence of flowers in the place of sepul- 
ture is the chosen form in which we speak of the 
holy love, and tender, that we cherish for the de- 
parted. The flowers, too, speak of the deathless- 
n^ss of affection when all else around us may seem 
only fleeting and unreal. Verily, for beauty, for 
love to express its more chastened or intense de- 
votion, and all that is purest and holiest in affec- 
tion, the flowers aptly may illustrate. 

We know, too, the germs of the future forest, 
and the grass and grain upon a thousand hills, are 
wrapped in the foldings of the flower. But it is 
equally true that these foldings might have been 
less beautiful, less gorgeous, less symmetrical, less 
fragrant, attracting no peculiar attention, impart- 
ing no peculiar pleasure, filling no void in the 
heart that yearns for the ministry of the beautiful. 
But this gift of power has been rendered so super- 
lative in the flowers we may yield them our ad- 
miration and here allow ourselves to forget, for 
once, the every-day utility that is so elaborately 
folded within their velvety coverings. 



CHAPTER V. 

The Beautiful in the Common Earths. 

Earth, how vast thy wonders ! how great thy care 

In hidden recess, beautiful and rare. 

Thou fashionest the bright and costly gem. 

From thy strange laboratory ; then 

Thou sendest life in happy changeful form — 

The fruits, the waving grain, the golden corn. 

And we are thine, too, kind cherishing earth, 

So we would not forget our humble birth. 

All that is thine we yield back to thee, 

But the soul claimeth immortality. 

Shakespeare. 

If utility really constituted the essence of the 
beautiful, as some philosophers teach, then the 
common earths would claim to be regarded as ex- 
ceedingly beautiful. But while choosing to be 
confined to felt and acknowledged manifestations 
of this quality, the common earths may not be 
passed by indifferently, for they do share largely 
in the beautiful. In their every-day capacity they 
form the basis whereon all that is grand, endur- 
ing, or beautiful rests. Here we find the tasteful 
cottage and the elaborately ornamented palace. 



2S fHE BEAUTIFUL 

Without such basis as the common earths render 
what would become of every work of art, from the 
most finished product of the sculptor's chisel to the 
great pyramids ? Verily, the common earth has 
i^eflected, if not intrinsic beauty. How else can we 
account for the pleasing interest we cherish for 
mere locality, where deeds of daring, of heroism 
and devotion have been wrought? 

My mother," asked an affectionate son, on the 
eve of departure for an eastern journey, ''what 
shall I bring you on my return that you will prize 
the most ? Shall it be my miniature, cut by the 
Roman lapidary, or wrought in fine mosaic ? " 
" Bring back your own dear face, with its same 
loving smile, and a pebble from the shore of the 
Jordan. Your face in mosaic I should not appre- 
ciate, but the pebble would recall the footprints of 
Him who hath opened the way from earth to 
heaven. To my eye it would be more beautiful 
than the softest and most perfectly-blended mo- 
saic." 

On a day of the early spring-timic I walked over 
a battle-field of the revolution for the first time. 
This field was unmarked by any monument that 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE COMMON EARTHS. 29 

spoke of the strife it had witnessed. Lofty branch- 
ing elms were standing where the conflict had been 
determined and bloody. The foliage of a part 
that had been standino- was known to have been 
mutilated, and their trunks scarred by the miser- 
able ordnance of those poverty-stricken days. A 
massive mansion was still to be seen on this same 
battle-ground that had sent back the roar of cannon, 
and the quick sharp volleys of musketry. All 
around was now smooth and of a lovely green, and 
none the less so that it had been dyed in human 
blood. The beauty associated with this battle- 
ground for freedom gave to the trees, the grass, 
and each sand and pebble far more than wonted 
charm — appealing to the heart's fullest susceptibil- 
ity of tenderness and beauty. We may well re- 
gard, too, the common earth as beautiful from its 
essential connection with art and utility, as well as 
from its charmed association with noble deeds, 
wrought from love of country, truth and human 
happiness. 

^ Then the rich treasures the common earths are 
made up of, and enshrine, add another strong ele- 
ment of interest and pleasure. The metals, pre-: 



30 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

cious and useful, are alike buried in the earth. 
The iron that civilizes and perfects each art of 
peace, and that, too, which imparts to warfare its 
crushing power, comes from the bosom of the 
cherishing earth. The gold and silver are hidden 
in earth's recesses, waiting the magician's power 
to be revealed. The coal, too, that makes the 
ruddy light and equal heat, has been given in trust 
to the common earth. 

To speak here of the flashing gem what shall 
we say of it? how regard it? As a creation 
fashioned apart from all else? No, rather speak 
of it truly as it is, a refined form of common earth 
and nothing more. Yet how beautiful we regard 
the rare and costly gem ! The sapphire that 
wears a heavenly blue, the ruby, of indescribable 
lustre, are but the clay in crystalline form. The 
amethyst that enshrines more than the rich pur- 
ple of Syria's sunset hues is but another form 
of common silicious earth. So also, the agate of 
banded or clouded lustre, the opal, whose change- 
ful play of color reminds one of a human face that 
is perfectly lovely, where expression may change 
each moment, yet each change filling the beholder 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE COMMGX EARIHS. 31 

with a perfect sense of the beautiful. So the 
opal. But the amethyst, the agate, the carnelian, 
the jasper and opal are but the common sand crys- 
tallized I 

But far more personal and amazing than all 
these truths connected with our subject, there 
comes the more wonderful fact that from the 
common earth the Mighty Architect formed the 
most perfect and beautiful of his works, — the hu- 
man body. 

The same eternal wisdom, moreover, has ap- 
pointed, when the purposes of this noble creation 
in each instance are fulfilled, it returns again to 
primeval condition, and the requiem is forever 
chanted, "earth to earth and dust to dust." 



CHAPTER VI. 



The Beautiful in the Raindrop. 

The poet sees ! 
He can behold things manifold 
That have not yet been fully told : 

Sees when the rain is done, 
On a bridge of colors seven 
Climbing up once more to heaven, 

Opposite the setting sun. 
Thus the seer with vision clear 
Sees forms appear and disappear 
In one perpetual round of strange 
Mysterious change. 

Longfellow. 

The raindrop is often made to soliloquize upon 
its individual weakness, and absence of interest. 
But its mission is most important, and it must be 
grouped with the confessedly beautiful. It is to 
the raindrop we owe the wealth of the earth's veg- 
etation. We owe, too, the constancy of the rivers, 
the habitual level of the lakes, and the purity of 
the ocean. The raindrop is very useful and beau- 
tiful, and so are all the works of God. The rain- 
drop in its formation is an exponent of a change- 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE RAINDROP. 33 

less law ; in completion, it ranks with the charm 
ingly beautiful. It leaves, may be, its companions 
of the deep, while seething and restless they 
seemingly plunge with massive strength the heavy 
ship, from billow to billow, or lift the sail grace- 
fully, from crest to crest. They break with tidal 
power against the rocky barrier, dashing wildly 
upon the shore. Such the raindrop, such the 
occupation, such the companions the raindrop 
often leaves while it is bound on a distant, upward 
journey. Silently, invisibly, yet rapidly it speeds 
its way, until it reaches the thin upper air. Mount- 
ing from the liquid ocean below, it has grown more 
expanded and ethereal in its upward flight, for 
now it seems something spiritual rather than 
material. It mingles harmoniously with the light 
air and still liorhter ether. It is now so much 

o 

diffused as apparently to threaten its real identity 

forever. But " it is of the earth, earthy," and 

incapable of union but with its own. It rushes to 

the embrace of kindred particles, which are met 

throughout the realms of ethereal mist. At length 

it reappears in the upper air, making the pure 

white folds of fleecy cloud, whence is signalled the 
3 



34 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

points for concentration. Soon re-enforced from 
above, below, and around, the recalled raindrops in 
millions draw their canopy of cloud between 
heaven and earth, even as of old, " dividing the 
waters from the waters." Out of the mist of cloud 
looks our serene raindrop, noting the thirsty earth 
beneath, seeks the spot where most needed. Pre- 
ceding and bidding its train to follow, attended 
by a gleam of sunlight, the raindrop hangs for a 
moment in mid air, shedding abroad the splendor 
of rich hues ; lingers not to dazzle, but hastes on 
its mission of love and duty, to gladden the field, 
to refresh the fainting flower, and to inspire with 
strength the waving forest. 

At night, when the moon is in the sky and the 
stars keep sentinel above and around, come the 
dews to join the raindrop in united offices of love. 
Together they cherish vegetation, making the 
summer night cool, and the morning bright with 
changeful hues. Still lost not, and lingering not. 

Again, by the same ministry, the tiny rill swells 
into utility and beauty. In its brief course it hur- 
ries forward ; dashing its white spray over the jut- 
ting rocks and down the deep ravine, pushing 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE RAIXDROP. 35 

onward to mingle with the mightier river. Here 
innumerable raindrops gathered together, calmly 
now and majestically pursue their changing and 
strangely wonderful journey back to their chosen 
home, the boundless deep. 

Not more beautiful to the eye is this marvellous 
raindrop, through all its protean forms of ministry, 
than its moral, which becomes in the hour of 
awakened admiration so richly instructive. The 
raindrop has its individual beauty as its individual 
mission ; but it is in unity that it becomes so 
powerful and of such extended interest. It is 
thus that it visits the roots of the mighty forest. 
It is in imity that it clothes the fields in greenness, 
gives birth to the rill, swells the river to majestic 
size, and fills to the brim the broad unfathomable 
ocean. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Beautiful in Light and Air. 

Hail, holy light ! 
Bright effluence of bright essence increate, 
Whose fountain who shall tell? Before the sun, 
Before the heavens thou wert ; and at the voice 
Of God, as with a mantle did invest 
The rising world of waters dark and deep, 
Won from the void and formless infinite. 

Milton. 

Living with the shadows of life falHng around, 
excited by its contending interests or saddened 
and depressed by its cares, our hearts withal 
should not be insensible to the many compensa- 
tions offered. We were made to be soothed, and 
even to be rendered joyous by the charming that 
nature unfolds, by the living beauty of the fields, 
by the music of the singing rills with their border- 
ing of graceful and fragrant flowers. So even the 
majesty of the rivers, the waving of forests, and 
the sight and sound of the restless oceanic waters, 
should gladden and elevate. 

Indeed, it is a matter of unaccustomed thought, 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN LIGHT AND AIR. 37 

that there is above us and around us an aerial 
ocean more surging and restless than the vast 
waters spread out before us. The ocean of water 
teems with myriad forms of animal life, while the 
aerial contains the vital principle of every varied 
mode of organism. The ocean of wa.ter bears on 
its surface the vast commerce of the world ; the 
air urges with quickened speed this freight to its 
destined port. The waters sink to rest after their 
mighty labors ; the air, like the great Creator, 
never tires, so never rests. The one is confined 
within prescribed limits ; the other sweeps un- 
controlled over both earth and ocean. 

" For who the illimitable wind 
Could ever seize, or ever bend.? " 

In its wayward wanderings it touches lightly or 
roughly the mountain tops, and surges sportively 
to the lowest vales. The vital air is everywhere. 
It fills the deep caverns, and rising, blends aloft 
with the pure ether. It permeates all soils, and 
mingles to unknown depths with the waters of the 
oc^ean. Unseen, yet omnipresent, it has received 
the gift of life. Throughout the domain of hu- 
man view, the phenomena in all their relations with 



38 THE BEAUTIFUL, 

light are full of interest, and very beautiful. The 
tender hues of the early dawn, and the roseate 
tinge of the nearer day, are due to atmospheric in- 
fluence. So the soft twilight, that gently raises 
the slumbering eyelid, to spread over the field of 
vision, pictures of matchless beauty. The same 
magic charm born of air and light calls the infe- 
rior creation to a new day of light and life. This, 
as the preceding, reaches for itself anew the splen- 
dor of the midday, and withdraws as gracefully, 
and the pleased yet now tired vision folds around 
its charming views the drapery of sweet dreams. 

Let it be added, if the untaught and erring hu- 
manity worshipped the sun, as he sent his early 
beams through the transparent atmosphere, rest- 
ing over eastern lands, well may the instructed 
Christian make the twilight hours the seasons of 
holiest communion with the Father of Spirits, the 
Creator of all things good and beautiful. 

Calmly at the close of day, 
Trusting kneel, devoutly pray ; 
Ask the inner, holy light, 
Guiding thought and word aright ; 
Ask humility and grace. 
Fervent love, his works to trace. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



The Beautiful ix the Heavens. 

What though no real voice or sound 
Amid those radiant orbs be found ? 
In reason's ear they all rejoice, 
And utter forth a glorious voice, 
Forever singing as they shine, 
The hand that made us is divine. 

Addison. 

From the preceding chapters we learn how 
richly suggestive of the beautiful the varied ma- 
terial objects around us prove. We lift the eye 
to the overarching firmament of heaven and be- 
hold the beautiful written there also, and so 
legibly. We hear, too, the deep harmonious re- 
sponse of thankful praise to Him who hath set 
the crown of the beautiful upon all His works. 
Grandeur and awe, too, naturally mingle with the 
sentiment of the beautiful when we contemplate 
the appearance, or the varied phenomena, of the 
Keavens. The untaught child beholds with rapt- 
ure the first star of evening, as it glides quickly 
into view from the depths of ether. The prac- 



40 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

tised astronomer looks upon the same phenomenon, 
and although so frequently noticed by him, and its 
sudden reappearance easily explained, it each time 
proves a thing of beauty to his eye, as to that of 
the little child. All intrinsic beauty, truth, and 
grandeur were made to appeal constantly and 
forcibly to the universal heart, whether beating 
with the quick pulsation of childhood or the 
slower movement of later life. To every eye the 
stars are beautiful, as they come forth to grace 
the night. The study of the stars was one 
of the earliest, that engaged the human mind. 
Their grouping into constellations has in a meas- 
ure come down to us, although anterior to any 
form of writing. The author of the generally sup- 
posed oldest book in the world, speaks therein of 
Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, as we mention what 
is universally known. This proves to us that the 
study of the stars, which we name astronomy, was 
one of the first that aroused human attention, and 
most deservedly. The group of the Pleiades is 
not remarkable for the size of its individual stars, 
where by the naked eye seven are counted, but 
their grouping, and the softness of their light ren- 



THE BEAUTIFUL TV THE HEAVEXS. 41 

der the same so charmingly impressive to the be- 
holder under every sky. In mythological lore this 
beautiful group has been named the seven sisters, 
of which a modern couplet adds : 

" The gentle sisters seven, 
Stars serenest in the heaven." 

To every eye looking upward the group of the 
Pleiades must appear very beautiful in our winter 
sky. Arcturus, from size and situation, is easily 
known, and when known never to be forgotten ; 
while the entire constellation of Orion is more 
strikino;lv beautiful, than anv oiher of the stellar 
groupings in the northern winter sky. But when 
we take in with our reflective gaze the astronomi- 
cal fact, that all these stars looking down upon us 
at night are S7i?is like our own, with the exception 
of the planetary bodies making our solar system, 
then it is, that the sentiment of the sublime 
replaces the beautiful. The vastness of the crea- 
tion, as thus presented, involves the heightened 
sentiment of the grandly sublime I 

But at all times, and especially in the summer 
sky, appears a bright zone of light stretching be- 
yond the limits of either horizon. It looks like 



42 THE BEAUTIFUL, 

transparent cloud, with a background of faint stars. 
It particularly pleases the unassisted eye, while it 
ravishes the astronomer with his far-seeing glass. 
Directing his telescope, it becomes to him in the 
point view^ed as an open window, through which 
he seems to catch a glimpse of the very heaven of 
heavens, and learns to estimate here, too, some- 
thing of the extent of the universe of God. 

The galaxy, or milky way, speaks thus to the 
common, and thus to the assisted eye, and so 
throughout every point in its teaching. It speaks 
of the beauty, the vastness, the grandeur and per- 
fection of the works of the great Creator. Yea, 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the 
firmament showeth his handiwork." Day unto 
day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth 
knowledge." There is no speech nor language 
where their voice is not heard ; their line has 
gone out through all the earth and their words to 
the end of the world." 



CHAPTER IX. 



The Beautiful ix the Human Face. 

" Who hath not proved how feebly words essay 
To fix one spark of beauty's heavenly ray ? 
Who doth not feel, until his failing sight 
Faints into dimness with his own delight, 
His changing cheek, his sinking heart confess 
The might, the power of loveliness ? " 

Byron. 

From the consideration of the beautiful in its 
many objective forms we will turn to the contem- 
plation of this quality in its more subjective char- 
acter, where its power is felt to be greater be- 
cause it is here better understood and more fully 
appreciated. 

In the adjective use of the term beautiful our 
desires always teach us to expect it followed by 
something relating to face or form, to outward 
embellishment or rare attainment. The agree- 
ment is universal that the human face, or the soul 
therein manifest, is capable of inspiring the most 
perfect sentiment of the beautiful. When charmed 



44 THE BEAUTIFUL 

here we may forget for the time there is any other 
use for the term. Verily, the beautiful as ex- 
pressed in the human face has untold power, and 
we think of it as naturally allied to general sym- 
metry of form, together with mental and moral 
perfection. 

Before such impersonation as presented in the 
Venus de Medici, or the more heavenly expression 
of the Madonna, both the pagan and Christian 
world have offered the homage of deep admiration. 
No temple could be too elegant, or furnished 
too elaborately for the worship of the goddess of 
beauty. No gift has been too costly, and no gem 
too precious to grace the Madonna. No part of 
the consecrated edifice but is rendered more 
sacred by the image of the beautiful and spotless 
virgin. 

Wherein the beautiful really consists is the in- 
quiry that is avoided, from the difficulty of satis- 
factory answer. Some facts, however, are easily 
grasped in this connection, and results are suffi- 
ciently obvious to satisfy. Symmetry of feature 
and delicacy of complexion, have much to do with 
the expression of the beautiful. But the soul 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE HUMAN FACE. 45 

within, irradiating and informing the features, and 
through its deep and changeful emotions height- 
ening the effect of complexion, has the most to 
do in producing the enchantment that beauty in- 
spires. 

We are made aware of the supremacy of the 
inner power when we observe and feel, that the 
plainest features and an indifferent complexion 
are able to inspire the unmistakable sentiment, 
when that face is lighted by the glow of enthusi- 
asm, intelligence, and purity of soul. 

Our country can boast of a great number of 
clever and highly cultivated women, whose works 
adorn our literature, whose achievements decorate 
our galleries of art, and whose mental acquire- 
ments help to extend the sphere of general knowl- 
edge. Still the mere personal attraction of this 
class, when viewed in the abstract, may be very 
limited. But it is not unfrequent that we see 
from thence the representations 'of personally 
charming women — charming not by faultless feat- 
ures but through the earnest love and brightness 
within. The following is an illustration: 

While passing- a pleasant hour in the room of a. 



46 THE BEAUTIFUL 

successful engraver, a number of superb works of 
this class were presented to show the improve- 
ments in the art. 1 hey, too, were supposed to be 
fac similes of whatever the engraving presented, 
whether portrait or landscape. For the most part 
they represented the authorship of the day. In 
glancing over this assemblage of pictured writers 
the eye caught a familiar name appended to a 
very striking picture. Having seen the original, 
and believing simply there was some mistake, 
the engraver was asked, Why, to a fancy sketch, 
should a real name be given ? Truly you cannot 
mean this picture as a correct representation of 
the first lady authoress of the day ?" 

The engraver, in replying, raised a screen, care- 
fully shielding a charming picture, and said : My 
art has required me to give in smaller size simply, 
an exact copy of this painting, which you must ad- 
mit has been quite faithfully done." Continuing, 
he further remarked : The portrait itself was 
painted by an artist of the first distinction, and 
from actual sittings, from the first draft upon the 
canvas to the last shade of coloring given, his 
aim being the exact life presentation, and the 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE HUMAN FACE. . 47 

painter considered his success very complete." 
This closing sentence flashed a new light upon the 
whole matter, which solved the problem of differ- 
ences. The painter wrought under enchantment : 
he saw with the mental, rather than the natural, 
eye as he copied. His pictured features seemed 
to embody this truth, viz.: it is in this study the 
soul is seen and transferred to the canvas instead 
of stiff, unyielding features. 

It is true at all times that the beautiful of the 
human face depends less upon the age, the acci- 
dent of a particular style of features or glow of 
complexion, than we may at first imagine. The 
beauty of the soul, as it informs and animates, 
may even have the power to quiet or wholly dis- 
arm the severe criticism of the eye. 

That sweet writer, author of The Neighbors," 
etc., when on her visit to this country was one day 
in the crowded saloon of a steamer, journeying 
toward the friendly city, Philadelphia. A mute in 
the same saloon, a lad of ten years, very remarka- 
ble in perception, as he noticed Miss Bremer in 
the distance, began in his sign-language to say to 
his travelling friend, "How ugly, how disagree- 



4S THE BEAUTIFUL. 

able that woman yonder is with such a red face." 
His gesticulations becoming marked, he was- in 
formed that this lady had wiitten many charming 
books. 

The expression on the little fellow's countenance 
changed quickly from disgust to admiration. He 
looked now in the truer sensitiveness of the im- 
pression. He comprehended the excellent, and 
Miss Bremer to his eyes was beautiful, what- 
ever she micrht have seemed before this revelation 
that she was good and gifted. Near the close of 
the journey the Swedish authoress, always so 
gentle, chanced to pass near the lad, whose ex- 
pressive countenance caught her passing glance, 
and called forth a half smile, as laying her hand 
upon his head she spoke a kind word to him in 
broken English. When told the boy was a mute, 
such a look of compassionate tenderness beamed 
from her ordinarily unattractive face as touched 
the sensitive emotions of the little fellow. His 
eyes filled v/ith tears, and as the kind lady passed 
on in his silent language he said, "She is not 
ugly, only beautiful !" 

The little encounter, perhaps, by Miss Bremer 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE HUMAN FACE. 49 

was never recalled, but to the boy it became a 
sweet memory. Up to the years of sterner man- 
hood he has never foro^otten the beautiful Swed- 
ish lady, who stands very high among his favorite 

authors. 
4 



CHAPTER X. 

The Beautiful in the Arm and Hand. 

The arm and hand for strong might fashioned, 

Not less for beauty and the finest art, 

Manifold, their grand united power 

For act of goodness, for act of greatness, 

When in obedience to high moral force, 

Firm mental strength, the noble action springs. 

The face, lighted by the soul, may to every 
comprehension express much of the impressively 
beautiful. As a whole we need not speak of the 
human form so erect, symmetrical, and fitted for 
the high rank yielded to the perfect work of the 
Creator, but in passing survey would further 
note distinctively the human arm and hand. Of 
the arm it may well be affirmed, from a knowledge 
of its structure, it was not formed to exert the 
greatest amount of power simply ; but such is its 
structure, that it combines the executive in har- 
mony with the symmetrical and beautiful. 

So, too, the human hand has its own especial 
claim to the beautiful of formation, and most 



THE BEAUTIFUL IiY THE ARM AXD HAND. 5 1 

Strongly expresses the beautiful in design and 
adaptation. But this expression resides not more 
constantly in formation and capacity implied, than 
in what it has wrouo^ht, all alono^ through the mul- 
tiplied, retreating ages. The hand, when incited 
and .directed by mental power, what has it not 
wrought? Very early it opened the bosom of the 
earth and reaped rich harvests of bread and wine. 
It brought to liofht metallic treasures. It built 
houses for shelter and shaped ingenious craft for 
trading purposes, aiding the distribution, and 
equalling thus the product of agriculture and the 
results of the first rude arts. The hand gained 
great skill as the attention of genius was applied 
to the study of art and the demands of utility. 
Through all the multiplied necessities of the use- 
ful and the increasing desire for the ornamental, 
through all the centuries of past time the hand 
has not been found unequal to meet the desired 
fabrication, or artistic completion. 

The hand built the pyramids, and so early that 
the time when these most enduring monuments 
were raised cannot be told. It built, too, the Par- 
thenon, that crown of beauty for the Acropolis at 



$2 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

Athens in the day of that city's unrivalled splendor 
in art and literature. The hand, in its exceeding 
nicety has ornamented the Gothic Cathedral with 
the light, airy tracery of forest boughs. It has 
sculptured the elaborate column with the drooping 
and graceful Acanthus leaf. It has opened a track 
for navies through the solid land, and bridged the 
ocean floods. It has revealed the mysteries of 
mountain caverns, to give the travellers the direct- 
ness and speed of the rapid winds. It has shaped 
the simple apparatus, that conducts the lightning 
from the upper fields of cloud harmlessly back 
again to the earth. Yea, and more, it gives to the 
lightning's fiery keeping his patient thought or 
grandest plan, and urges its mission to the out- 
speeding of light. 

In all this we see the beauty of power as it per- 
tains to the human hand ; but this hand has ho- 
lier, and therefore more beautiful, offices than ex- 
pressing and directing power. We bless God for 
its higher capabilities. We acknowledge from the 
heart, too, the beauty of the act when the hand 
thrusts back the stained sword into its scabbard in 
token of peace ; when it signs the petition for mercy ; 



THE BEAUTIFVL IN THE ARM AMD HAND 53 

when it gracefully wipes from the face the tear of 
sorrow ; when it tenderly supports the weakness 
and trembling of age ; when it raises the kneel- 
ing penitent from the dust ; when it distributes 
at the consecrated altar the symbols of the holiest 
faith and the visible tokens of God's unchanging 
love. Such the intrinsic, and such the suggest- 
ive, beauty of the human hand. 

This proved a well-chosen subject for Sir Charles 
Bell — The Hitman Hand'' — for his competitive 
treatise, " On the power, wisdom, and goodness of 
God, as manifested in the works of creation." 



CHAPTER XI. 



The Beautiful in the Voice. 

" Softly murmur, gentle voices, 

Soothing care and healing woe, 
Bringing to the chastened spirit 

Hopes forgotten long ago. 
Bringing comfort to the dying, 

To the weary giving rest ; 
Like the whispering of angels 

In the mansions of the blest." 

To the eye has been given the capacity to grasp 
the near and the distant at a single glance, to 
delight in the hues of color and receive pleasure 
from the endless variety of form. Yea, and more, 
to read all holy sympathies as expressed in the 
human countenance. But the eye is not the only 
avenue through which the soul is inspired with the 
oeauty of the outward world. The ear, also, lends 
its charming ministry. All pleasant sounds delight 
the ear, even as the trees and green fields delight 
the eye. The sweet voices of spring, how pleas- 
ing and how soothing. The song of birds, ever 
delightful, and doublyso, ringing out in sweet 



THE BEAUTIFUL TV THE VOICE. 55 

symphonies on the milder air of the early spring- 
time. These notes themselves may not be 
sweeter than at other seasons, but seem thus, as 
suggestive of the happy life of the little songsters, 
and associated with the delicate flowers, the ten- 
der leaves, and all the budding beauties of the 
spring I Not less charming are the bird-notes of 
the leafy June. Partially absorbed by the abund- 
ant foliage and luxuriant fields, there seems a 
peculiar sweetness as softness in these wood and 
field-notes. Even the quick, sharp bobolink, 
springing up from the thick, reedy grass, darting 
towards a projecting limb or high stake, trills off 
its short, merry song with uncommon sweetness of 
sound. A life so charmed seems truly a rich in- 
heritance. The bird-voice of autumn also pleases. 
The echo, too, of the tall trunks and naked 
branches lend a charm to their agreeable, if 
somewhat melancholy, notes. Whoever is not 
better and happier for the trustful chick-a-dee's 
winter song of hope lives far below the true 
standard of Christian cheerfulness. To the beau- 
tiful in the sprightly and varying song of birds, 
is added the nearer or more ceaseless hum of 



56 The beautiful. 

the insect tribes, through all the warm months of 
the year. 

Then the voices of the flocks and herds, inter- 
mingled with sounds of busy labor, especially en- 
livened by the reaper's song, serve to impress us 
most agreeably. The many voices of rustic life, and 
the sweet sounds from the inferior creation, delight 
so deeply. But there is a higher magic in musical 
tones and symphonies. The martial air so inspir- 
its, that the almost coward, under its influence, be- 
comes a brave man. The selfish it transforms for 
the time from a state of cold indifference, by its 
power, to one of active loyalty. 

Even more moved by the power of music becomes 
the devout worshipper ; he feels his sympathy with 
all that is holy and worshipful to warm and deepen, 
as the tones of the full organ fall on his delighted 
ear. So we are made to understand that the ear, 
as well as the eye, is designed to prove a constant 
source of the beautiful to the soul. But more than 
all these, is the human voice calculated to charm. 
The voice may be regarded as the greatest among 
all the great gifts of the Creator. How perme- 
ated with the beautiful is the power of speech, 



THE BEA UriFUL IN THE VOICE. 57 

the capability of making understood thus, each 
emotion of the soul : The capability of making 
intelligible thus opinion and interest, each feeling 
of kindness and devotion \ The human voice has 
immense capability for good. Its power of .sever- 
ity and fearfulness, comes not within the province 
of the beautiful to delineate. 

The blind receive their impressions of character 
from the tones of the voice, and their data con- 
ducts to truth. The voice is not the character, 
but its tones become the exponents of the senti- 
ments, ruling within. A touching anecdote in the 
fortunes of one of the soldiers of Napoleon illus- 
trates in its connections the power of the human 
voice and the truthfulness with which it expresses 
character. This soldier of official rank, during 
Napoleon's Egyptian expedition, had been seized 
with ophthalmia. Returning to his native France, 
he found himself thrown, in a measure, upon the 
charities of an humble famil}^ in a rural district 
some miles from Paris. Among the members of 
this family was a young girl, whose face had been 
greatly marred by a sad accident, but whose 
voice expressed the sweet and tender in every 



58 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

tone. Listening to its melody, the unfortunate 
officer forgot his calamity and begged that its 
soothing ministrations might all be his own. The 
generous peasant maid, in turn, spoke freely of the 
real disparity in their conditions, and pictured 
truthfully, the repulsive face. 

She acknowledged that she had walked all the 
way to Paris to lay the misfortunes of the interest- 
ing guest before his commander, and the aid of a 
most skilful physician had been promised for the 
sufferer. The hope in his case was that sight 
might be restored ; if so, his love, with her marred 
face, could not exist. Her voice and manner would 
no longer please or soothe, if sight returned, was 
argued on the side of the peasant. 

" But gratitude could never die," was rejoined. 
" The voice would always prove more powerful 
than the call of ambition. He would rather 
choose darkness than lose the charm of its sweet 
tones." But the heroic girl insisted that nothing 
further should be urged on the subject of his de- 
votion until the trial for his restoration to sight 
had been made. While there was hope of the re- 
covery of sight nothing that might interfere with 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE VOICE. $9 

the prospect of his future honors and success must 
be listened to by her. An ill-suited alliance now 
entered upon, would become fatal to hope of 
future elevation, and in the end might prove re- 
pulsive to himself. She would lead him to Paris, 
introduce him anew to his commander, who, no 
doubt, would retain a lively sense of important 
service already rendered. She would leave when 
her attentions would be no longer necessary, and 
the future must decide whether they ever might 
meet again. 

The standard-bearer of Napoleon's first imperial 
regiment was restored to sight, and called again to 
the head of moving columns. He bore the con- 
quering eagle of F^rance with a strong arm on 
many a bloody field, and with a courage that never 
failed. 

But he did not leave for the scenes of war with- 
out an interview full of grateful acknowledgment 
with his kind host, and still kinder daughter. 
" Gratitude still lived," the voice still sweet apd 
s^ympathetic, even to the tremulous ; but the face 
was forbidding, more forbidding than his fancy 
could have pictured while under the pleasing illu- 



6o THE BEAUTIFUL 

sion of the sweet voice and tender manner. Al- 
though unwilling to confess it to himself, even, he 
was glad no stronger tie bound him to the peas- 
ant's daughter than gratitude. The debt acknowl- 
edged, the warmest friendship professed, and the 
standard-bearer is on his way to the battle-field. 
But the glory and greatness of the master had 
scarcely felt the first shock, when the brave and 
trusted ensign began to perceive a return of his 
ophthalmic attack. He manfully kept the field 
until he could no lono-er distincaiish the folds of 
his conquering banner. Honor, rank, and pension 
were richly conferred ; but the world was all dark- 
ness again. The light from the peasant's cottage 
lingered faintly in his heart, and at times the ear 
seemed to recall sweet sounds. He begged to be 
carried to the humble cottage that had sheltered 
him in his first calamity. The same noble hearts 
were still there, and the same lo)'al hospitality 
bade him welcome. Greater tenderness, even, was 
bestowed. He was urged again to make trial of 
ophthalmic skill which had wrought such miracles 
for him. He declined cheerfully, knowing the 
now hopelessness of his case, and declaring the 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE VOICE. 6 1 

eye, if restoration were possible, might again mis- 
lead, but the car, never. 

It has been well said that a sweet voice in wom- 
an is a divine gift. This is certain, that a sweet 
voice must be regarded as among the greatest of 
gifts conferred. So, too, it is true no gift is more 
improvable than that of the voice, and none that 
finally becomes so indicative of character. 

The vast capability of the voice is displayed by 
the orator when he holds the listening thousands 
in breathless silence, and often more by its varied 
intonations than the sentiment he utters. But the 
sublime of its power is reached when, from the 
high seat of justice, or the throne girt about with 
the majestic, there comes the full tone of irrevoca- 
ble decision. 

But the beautiful of the voice resides rather in 
its persuasive tones of eloquence when it warns 
against the incitements of vice, and urges the soul 
onward to virtue and highest excellence. But its 
accents are all beautiful when they speak forth 
the truth and tenderness of affection. It is then 
that its low, fervent tones fill the soul of the list- 
ener with the full light of beauty and happiness. 



CHAPTER XII. 



The Beautiful in Character. 

Consistent characters are those in which harmony reigns. 
Perhaps those of this rank are more frequent than we think, es- 
pecially in the middling and obscure conditions. 

Dignity of character consists in sustaining by our sentiments 
and actions the rank which Providence has assigned us. 

M. Le Baron Degerando. 

With profound interest we turn to the subject 
of the beatitifiil in character. Here our sympathy 
and admiration must find appropriate and pleasing 
interest. The objective attracts, but humanity en- 
chants. The symmetrical in character is more fas- 
cinating- than the lovely and symmetrical in exter- 
nal nature, or the finest exhibitions of art. We 
must love the noble and the good. It matters not 
where they live, it matters not in what age they 
have lived, it is enough that they live or have 
lived to mitigate the sufterings of humanity, to 
turn the erring into the paths of truth and duty, to 
grace the altars of religion by the most pure and 
sincere devotion. 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN CHARACTER. 63 

What a treasure the youth of our country have, 
and so the world, in the character of Washinorton. 
Nothing could add to its unchanging lustre when 
tried by those tests which are conclusive of intrin- 
sic excellence. He stands unparalleled, and with- 
out rival, in our just admiration This perfection 
of character must win through all succeeding time 
more inestimable benefits, even, than his skill as a 
military commander and his genius as a states- 
man, have achieved. Opinions may change, hu- 
man laws may be modified or reversed, but the 
beautiful in the character of Washington is inde- 
structible, and constitutes its own immortality. 

In the character, too, of the matrons of those his- 
toric days, we see so much to imitate and admire. 
With them there appears such a crucifixion of sel- 
fishness, such a comprehension of their country's 
necessities, as led not only to the sacrifice of every 
elegance, but even comfort, to lend aid in the hour 
of our country's trial. They were so loyal to the 
interests of their own and the generations to come, 
that the universal voice, as heart, must pronounce 
them blessed. What impressive beauty of charac- 
ter we cannot fail to see and feel in the mighty 



64 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

host of philanthropists, before whom sordid rulers, 
covetous senates, and merciless powers have felt 
abashed, as in the presence of the very incarnation 
of truth and virtue ! Write the character of that 
individual or that sect the highest and purest that 
best loves the true interests of humanity, How 
beautiful, morally, is that class who have counted 
so lightly their own social joys, the holy sympa- 
thies of home and country, yea, their own lives, 
that they might lead the benighted to the Lamb 
of God, "who taketh away the sins of the world." 
But not less beautiful in character, or less holy, are 
those who stand up firmly and successfully against 
the tide of vice and fashionable error, touching not, 
coveting not, the unhallowed and forbidden. 

But there is still a more perfect beauty of char- 
acter found, too, and perhaps the more often, in the 
lowly vale of life. We find it in tender, sensitive 
woman, standing, the ever patient, the ever faith- 
ful, at the post of duty. It may be, too, she is un- 
cheered and unappreciated, but still loyal to every 
claim, that the most wearying and persistent duty 
may demand. 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN CHARACTER. 65 

We did not expect it, but we do here find the 
very essence of the beautiful in character. Here 
we do often find less of the earthly and more of 
the heavenly than elsewhere. 
S 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Beautiful in Obedience. 

Law, the revealing of the Infinite, 

Extends through nature's vast and boundless range; 

Suns and their systems yielding to its sway, 

Make the harmony of the universe. 

With us, too, rule and right should ever win 

Our willing, our loving, obedience. 

From the preceding, respecting the beautiful in 
character, we would now consider some of the ele- 
mentary principles, which, when united, form the 
basis of true excellence of character. 

Those to whom these pages are primarily ded- 
icated have heard addressed to them the frequent 
admonition, and earnestly persuasive, to make ex- 
cellence of character the constant and undeviating 
aim of life. They have been urged to pay the full 
price of its costliness by all self-denial, by all care- 
fulness and culture that may be demanded for 
such precious attainment. 

Underlying the strength, beauty, and symmetry 
which excellence of character implies, is obedience 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN OBEDIENCE. 67 

to all proper authority. Prominent among the 
holy commandments of God is the requisition of 
obedience to parental authority. This command- 
ment is distinoruished as the first, containing- an 
express promise for its observer. So important is 
obedience to the beauty and perfection of charac- 
ter, that it becomes the first human lesson to be 
learned, and the last whose practise is to be re- 
linquished. But, unfortunately, lessons of a true 
obedience, if taught extensively, are not enforced as 
they should be in the majority of cases. This 
failure in home discipline results in the misrule 
that stalks unblushingly abroad. Individual char- 
acter is thus marred, when the right culture might 
have beautified. 

My reader, think you this beautiful sisterhood 
of states would have stood, as of late, arrayed in 
contest with each other, had these combatants been 
rightly taught that obedience to lawfully consti- 
tuted authority could not, must not be evaded ? 

Obedience heartily rendered to the supremacy 
of law and order is the truest pledge of honor, and 
the only source of national strength and greatness. 
To withhold this obedience is most unfortunate, 



68 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

and argues a tendency to the ignoble in character. 
The great Washington has been instanced as an 
example of superior excellence of character, and 
was renowned for the particular virtue of obedi- 
ence. We should expect it to be thus, as the har- 
monious parts alone make up the perfect whole. 
Perhaps no one circumstance contributed so much 
to make Washington the superior man and true 
patriot he was, as the wholesome lessons of obedi- 
ence he was early taught. It was his good fortune 
to be the son of a mother who, to a Spartan firm- 
ness, joined the refined excellencies of the Chris- 
tian character. While she trained that noble son 
of hers to unqualified obedience, she prepared him 
to become the director of his country's destiny. 

By the certainty of a natural law, he only knows 
how to command, who has learned aptly to obey. 
The happy and therefore beautiful result of obedi- 
ence upon character which we may instance is 
further illustrated from life in the case of a dis- 
tinguished bishop of the Episcopal Church. This 
bishop is a man whose Christian example has done 
more than his extraordinary intellect, in aid of the 
successful presentation of gospel truth. The tes- 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN OBEDIENCE. 69 

timony he bears is to the point. He has been 
heard to say, " I owe all that I am to the firm and 
judicious discipline of my revered mother. Bereft 
of a father's care at a very early age, I really knew 
but one parent. At the age of fifty, I cannot ex- 
press the love and deep devotion I feel for that 
best of mothers. I bless her memory for the firm 
yet tender control she exercised through all the 
years of my boyhood and youth. In the strength 
of manhood, I knew no diminution of her power. 
Through all the perilous years of early life, I never 
knew but one brief hour in which this control 
seemed burdensome, however unchangingly firm. 
Influenced by opinions, recreant to duty, as respect, 
I determined to defy her authority, and please 
henceforth my mistaken notions of the manly. 
The collision was brief and decisive. I received 
the rebuke I merited. Within, there was a fearful 
struggle, but it was overcome by that determined 
manner and majestic expression, arresting my re- 
creant manliness, and so awing, overwhelmed me. 
I fell on my knees, acknowledging my wayward- 
ness, and never after needed a second rebuke. 
" Obedience to my mother's just control has led 



70 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

me onvv^ard to a true manhood. To that firm and 
faultless control I owe all that I am, as a minister 
of that holy religion which teaches the truest obe- 
dience, — the obedience of the heart and life, — to 
all that is noble, true, and beautiful. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Beautiful in Politeness. 

'Tis not the graceful bow that masters teach, 
Or the conventional of smoothest speech ; 
"Tis not the kneeling but at beauty's shrine, 
Where pleased devotion studies to refine, 
But 'tis the true goodness of the noble soul 
That gives to word and act a charm'd control. 

There is much that passes under the name and 
guise of poHteness, that is remote from its charm- 
ing spirit, or its lovely character. True politeness 
springs from within, and is beautiful in its every 
manifestation. It need not be limited by any 
particular boundary of social gradation. It may 
grace the cottage as well as the court, may abound 
equally in the humble and the higher social grade. 
Were it otherwise it would prove most unfortu- 
nate, the happiness of social life everywhere being 
greatly dependent upon the presence of this qual- 
ity. It forbids in our social bearing all rude and 
unkind forms of speech, and all unnecessary refer- 
ence to what is painful, or suggestively unpleasant. 



72 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

An anecdote from life becomes illustrative. A 
child of a few years, a member of a well-ordered 
family, was made painfully unhappy by its first 
decided punishment. The offence arose naturally 
from a sensitive and demanding nature. The re- 
buke was felt so severely, or so undeserved, that 
it wrought painfully upon the feelings of the little 
offender. Its very tender and sympathizing play- 
mate endeavored to soothe, and by nice little lov- 
ins^ arts arouse the usual interest in the later- 
morning sports of the young chastised. Each 
pretty attention might have been felt and appre- 
ciated, but w^as received too much in the spirit of 
mournful silence. As the day passed on some 
visitors came. One of the number was so unfor- 
tunate as to insist upon being told the cause of 
the deep grievance, under which the little pet 
seemed suffering. The ready announcement was 
made, and in a very ill-timed style, touching two 
little hearts more painfully than any save sensitive 
natures could imagine. The loving and wise little 
playm5.te, that had been so assiduous to please and 
divert through all the trying morning, and wath a 
perception more nice than all the rules of studied 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN POLITENESS. 73 

politeness could have taught, had carefully avoided 
allusion to the mode of correction. But now at 
the thoughtless mention by another the fountains 
of deepest feeling seemed broken up, and in a del- 
uge of tears the griefs of two little hearts were 
poured forth. The cause of severe suffering in 
one, had been indelicately laid open to view. The 
refined propriety of the other, had been deeply 
disturbed by the same cause. This anecdote 
speaks of the grief a child felt in consequence of 
ill-timed and impolite inquiry into the cause of a 
quickly passing sorrow. But what is true of the 
child, is true constantly of the unhappy influence 
of the impolite everywhere. The frequent ab- 
sence of delicacy and true politeness, in the inter- 
changes of social life work much evil, give much 
unnecessary displeasure and pain. On the con- 
trary, the culture and manifestation of true polite- 
ness would greatly tend to produce an accession 
of happiness to society. Verily, its culture is of 
so much importance, its genuine fruit so beautiful, 
that a brief suggestion here may prove practically 
useful. As before said, politeness springs from 
the heart rather than from the enforcement of 



74 tbp: beautiful. 

particular rules for the conduct. We should look 
well to the heart to see if all is as it should be 
there, in our feelings of kindness, and estimation of 
the rights of others. Briefly, the only code of po- 
liteness that need be given is the one most com- 
prehensive and perfect, that language can express, 
*'To do to others as we would that they should do 
to us." This requirement observed, we could 
never fail in proper or graceful attention to the 
demands and wishes, of those with whom we may 
be associated. Neither to those to whom we owe 
the nicest observances, that a true and delicate po- 
liteness would dictate at all times should we fail, 
or toward those, whose claims might seem less di- 
rect. The beautiful in politeness, that justly calls 
forth our approbation and claims our homage, is 
not dependent upon rank, social position, or dis- 
tinguished mental culture, although these may 
add lustre to its observance. 

Elegant manners are naturally induced by con- 
tact with refinement and cultivation. But this in- 
duced species of politeness flourishes most, like 
the tender exotic, in congenial soil, and surrounded 
by a favoring atmosphere. Removed therefrom 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN POLITENESS. 75 

it grows sickly, and in time disappears. So that 
politeness induced by rule is but the reflection of 
conventional essays, having no good root in the 
heart ; is luxuriant in the elegant drawing-room ; is 
luxuriant where the tempered light falls softly 
upon glittering gems, and where the radiance of 
beauty itself is more resplendent. To be less than 
polite under these circumstances, would at least 
prove one's self to be alien to the amenities of our 
common nature. But transfer the position from 
scenes of eles^ance to those of homeliness, from 
associations with those calculated to please, to 
those who are remarkable for want of power, agree- 
ably to interest. Then, if the same delicate per- 
ception is present, prom.pting the kind act, the 
obliging and conciliatory word, with an attentive 
and deferential manner — if these tests yield the 
result of one decidedly self-possessed and ever 
considerate, we may safely pronounce that we 
have found genuine politeness. How absolutely 
charming it would prove if this lovely quality of 
character existed everywhere. 

Verily, in conduct there can be nothing more 
pleasing and beautiful than true politeness on all 



76 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

occasions, that quick and tender sensitiveness to 
the rights and proper wishes of others. To impart 
happiness, to increase its amount in the human 
heart, to charm, improve, and elevate, is the mis- 
sion of poHteness. It manifests itself so gracefully 
in youth, and so becomingly in those of riper 
years. It manifests itself so truly kind and con- 
descending in those of advancing age and perfect- 
ing excellence. Such, and so beautiful is polite- 
ness. It embodies the rarest perfection of speech, 
and the truest grace of manner. But politeness 
cannot exist without corresponding virtues of the 
heart to sustain and animate. It demands the 
cultivation and exercise of the generous, the noble 
and kindly sympathetic. In a word, the true and 
beautiful in politeness is but another name for the 
refined and excellent of goodness. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Respect for Superiors. 

By the rude hearth-stone, in the home of wealth, 
Teach to thy young child dutiful respect. 
As the first, the best of human lessons. 
There, too, impress the teaching by example. 
And it will live and bring forth richest fruit, 
The love of home, of country, and of truth. 

A PROPER respect for superiors may be implied 
in true politeness, but the subject has so much im- 
portance that it well deserves a distinct considera- 
tion. The expression of a true respect, where at 
all times it may be justly owed, is far from being 
universal. Althouo^h one of the most desirable 
features of character, its early and healthful devel- 
opment may be neglected by the discipline of 
home, and the systems of public education often 
do very little toward meeting the deficiency ; 
neither by social or political usages is it cherished 
to an extent that its importance demands. 

The rendering of honor to whom honor is due, 



78 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

custom to whom custom is due, makes one of the 
prominently beautiful lessons which we learn from 
the Holy Scriptures. The independence that our 
native air inspires, the independence which is our 
devotion and boast, like other most excellent 
things, may be indulged to an injurious extent. 
We see the unchecked tendency in the young 
child by its impatience of control. It loves at 
once to feel itself free; learns in the nursery 
whether his or a higher will must be law. Here, 
then, is the time and place where the first and 
most effective lessons of obedience and respect 
are learned from this beginning to expand, day 
by day, into a perfect symmetry and ever-increas- 
ing beauty. Childhood and youth are only loveli- 
est, when there is manifested in character a most 
deferential respect for those who should direct 
and control. 

The parent or guardian is in great fault, and 
checks the expression of moral beauty, who does 
not blend the varied and sweet lessons of home, 
with that conduct and wisdom, that are calculated 
to inspire a true respect. Learned thus, it cannot 
be forgotten, but will grow with the growth and 



RESP'ECT FOR SUPERIORS. 79 

Strengthen with the strength. From the kind 
nurture of home it goes with its fortunate posses- 
sor to the school, where it should receive increased 
power and early reward — power from constant ex- 
ercise, and reward in the kind interest and love it 
calls forth. 

From the halls of learning, from the companion- 
ship of congeniality, general society asks for a 
transfer of this charming tendency in character to 
meet its own, just demands. It claims the grace- 
ful acknowledgment of a high respect for all that 
is good, for all that contributes to security, peace, 
and knowledge. To those who occupy places of 
honor or trust is owed a constant and marked re- 
spect. This serves to lessen the weight of care, 
making great responsibilities less oppressive. 

Alfred was the noblest of England's Saxon line 
of kings. Although most methodical in his appro- 
priation of time, he filled every moment with such 
activity as became a cause of anxiety with his 
counsellors, who feared the result of such close 
application. Urging the remission of such exces- 
sive labor, his invariable answer was, My people 
truly respect and honor me, why should I not live 



8o 



THE BEAUTIFUL. 



entirely for them ? Surely nothing can be more 
pleasant than to live for my people, who love so 
much in return." What was true of England's 
sovereign is true of every generous ruler, of all 
who are worthy to sustain official rank. The 
reciprocity of respect on one hand, and that of 
cheerful obedience on the other, evinces strongly 
the beautiful, making the highest happiness of the 
ruler, as the truest prosperity of the ruled. 

Speak not against the ruler of my people." 
This requisition justly appears in the imperative 
form. If the ruler is unworthy, the office itself 
should still be worthy. The opportunity to dis- 
miss the unworthy occupant will soon arrive. 
This mode of reproof accords with the genius of 
our government. It is the true manner of show- 
ing disapprobation of the bad, the weak, and the 
indifferent, by replacing such with those of oppo- 
site character, so filling by unanimous consent 
each office of honor and trust, with those alone 
who merit distinguished confidence. Both neces- 
sary and beautiful is respect for official station, 
and for those who worthily meet the high respon- 
sibility. 



RESPECT FOR SUPERIORS. 8 1 

Of another class we would also speak, whose 
claim for respect is strong and peculiar, those who 
minister at the sacred altar of our holy religion. 
If we may not speak evil of the rulers of my peo- 
ple, to revile or neglect God's high-priest is the 
greater sin. The office here confessedly implies 
sacredness and respect, that may never be disre- 
garded. To pay merited honor to the servant of 
the Most High, to strengthen his hands in the 
performance of holy duties, by all of kindness, 
sympathy, and deep respect, is a most imperative 
obligation. It is a duty that cannot fail to be per- 
ceived, and should be discharged in the spirit of 
warmth and hallowed interest. 

Thus should we love and honor, and so should 
we respect the good everywhere. This embraces 
all those who forget their own ease and pleasure 
for demands that arise from human sorrow and suf- 
fering, those who devote themselves to the claims 
of a true humanity. It matters not as to the 
name, they are deserving of a most kind and con- 
siderate respect. It may be in the form of an an- 
gel of mercy on the battle-field, stanching the 
6 



82 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

ghastly wound, or kindly breathing the words of 
hope and peace into the ear, so intent upon the 
bidding of the anxious soul ; soothing the yearning 
heart whose pulsations are so soon to cease for- 
ever. It may be they are of those who seek the 
prison-cell, there to plead with the erring, to give 
heavenly counsel amid its repulsive surroundings. 
It may be they are of those whose mission it is to 
quell the turbulence of strife, to correct the un- 
true and slanderous speech, who drop the healing 
balm into the wounded heart, and whose inner life 
is kindness and universal love. Whatever the 
garb, whatever the name, whatever the social rank 
accorded, to such as these, we owe the most duti- 
ful and considerate respect. There is another 
class, of a grave and thoughtful mien, whose heads 
are whitened with the frosts of many winters and 
whose brows are written all over with the lines 
that time and thought imprint. Yet a sweet se- 
renity chooses the companionship of age, oftener 
than that of youth. There is much that is most 
touchingly beautiful in this interesting period of 
human life, and the full heart's deep respect goes 
out to pay its grateful homage, to throw into the 



RESPECT FOR SUPERIORS. 83 

manner its tender admiration for serene, quiet, 
and contented age — beautiful age, beaming with 
the Hght of another world. The smile of infancy, 
the homage of youth, the deference of exulting 
strength, the hopes of heaven, all, all are thine. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



The Beautiful in Kindness 

Self-love when pushed to social, to divine, 

Gives thee to make thy neighbor's blessing thine. 

Is this too little for the boundless heart? 

Extend it, let thy enemies have part; 

Grasp the whole world of reason, life, and sense 

In one close system of benevolence. 

Happier, as kinder, in vvhate'er degree, 

For height of bliss is height of charity. 

Pope. 

Human life in its best estate is often shadowed 
by much of trial and deep sorrow. Our daily ex- 
perience causes us to feel that kindness and sym- 
pathy are necessary to our existence. Kindness 
carries with itself great power ; even the inferior 
creation feel its positive potency. The dog, the 
horse, and all domestic animals, so called, have 
been reclaimed from ferocity by the kindness, 
rather than the fear of man. It is kindness and 
love, that win obedience from the inferior world 
below, to the flaming seraph on high. The practi- 
cal and the beautiful in kindness is seen and felt 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN KINDNESS. 85 

and acknowledged in its expressive look, its gentle 
word, and generous deed. I never felt the full 
power of a kind look," says Mungo Park, until I 
experienced it in a peculiar manner. It proved 
sufficient to arouse me from indescribable lassitude 
of body and sinking spirits, born amid heated 
desert sands, and malarious gales. I felt the last 
hour near at hand, but was aroused from this stu- 
por of seeming death by a face bending over me, 
with an expression of the most pitiful kindness. 
No word was uttered, but the look penetrated the 
inmost recess of feeling, and awaked me to life. 
No incident of that perilous journey gave such 
comfort and strength of resolution as the look of 
kindness beaming in the face of a savage amid 
desert wilds." 

The philanthropic Howard had labored for a 
long time in a foreign land, for the commutation 
of an unrighteous prison law. His heart bled in 
view of the injustice and unnecessary suffering it 
caused. It was a labor of holy love to gain its 
V removal; but the desired issue seemed unattain- 
able, after months of superhuman effort. Called 
before a stern magistracy for the final pleading, 



U THE BEAUTIFUL 

his physical strength seemed exhausted, while the 
interests of humanity found still deeper lodgment 
in his soul. He arose and attempted to speak, 
but the intensity of feeling overpowered the physi- 
cal energy for a moment entirely ; he sank back 
upon his seat without uttering a word. His si- 
lence, for the instant, was more moving than his 
impassioned eloquence could have been. It 
touched one determined opponent in that august 
assembly. With a true manly kindness and appre- 
ciation of the humane effort of the philanthropist, 
he was induced to speak on the exciting subject 
in a few pacific words. Howard was recalled to 
his power of address. Again he arose, and in 
touching language made acknowledgment for the 
gracious words that had been spoken in behalf of 
himself, and the humane cause of his advocacy. 
New strength was given, and in his own simple 
moving style he plead for the prisoner. He plead 
so eloquently that finally his prayer was granted. 
When congratulated for his success, he replied. 

It was all due to a few kind words uttered by a 
mighty opponent." 

The power of the beautiful in kind looks which 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN KINDNESS. §7 

all have proved, in kind words which all have felt, 
is only surpassed by the beautiful in kindness of 
action. To delineate this part of the subject fully, 
in this connection, would be to recite the glowing 
history of all generous and noble conduct. 

It is not the remote, but the near, that is most 
interesting upon this subject. It is not the widely 
extended, but the comparatively bounded, that we 
love best to contemplate, and with most success 
may endeavor to evince in the daily conduct of 
life, ^^^ithin the sacred precinct of home, kindness 
of word and manner should wreathe as with a gar- 
land of beauty every household charity. 

Xot less beautiful or less interesting is kindness 
of manner in all our more ofeneral, and social inter- 
course. Kindness is ever giving, and ever receiv- 
ing the richest rewards, especially those of bestow- 
ing happiness and inspiring love. 

If there is one feature more admirable than 
another in the class of religionists called 

Friends," it is their eentle and most considerate 
kindness toward those of differing opinions, as well 
as to each other. The founder of that sect in this 
country, is represented as the type of a kind, gen- 



88 THE BEAUTIFUL, 

erous, and noble manhood. The homage of the 
savage heart, as well as the graceful respect of the 
polished cavalier, were alike won by his unaffected 
kindness and benevolence. The folds of his man- 
tle seem yet to be wrapped around the convention- 
alities of his favorite city. 

If the power of kindness were at all times appre- 
ciated, its teachings would not be disregarded, and 
its spirit would express itself more or less strongly 
everywhere. Kindness would be installed as the 
guardian genius of home, extending its rule 
through all domestic and social relations. Our 
words would be alike free from flattery and harsh- 
ness, our actions constantly most deferential and 
courteous. A gentle radiance would thereby 
charm the pathway of life, where now it must be 
conceded from the influence of an opposite spirit, 
thick darkness, too often dwells. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



The Beautiful ix Fidelity. 

Though human, thou didst not deceive me ; 
Though lov'd, thou forborest to grieve me ; 
Though trusted, ihou didst not betray me; 
Though watchful, thou didst not disclaim me. 

Byron. 

No excellence of character can call forth more 
universally such pleasing and invariable approval 
as fidelity. We admire it in an enemy. The 
changeling and traitor have no real friends. The 
infamous Arnold was penetrated with this truth, 
when he pathetically acknowledged, that the coun- 
try of his birth, whose fostering care had sheltered 
him in defenceless years, whose gratitude had 
honored him in ripened manhood, " but now, in 
his latest age, there was not one, in all this wide 
and orlorious country, he could call his friend." 

It is a just punishment for one so recreant to 
fidelity, so black with traitorous crime I On the 
contrary, how this same country has delighted, and 
ever will delight, to honor his contemporaries, who 



90 THE nEAUTIFUL 

were faithful even unto death, In their patriotic de* 
votion. 

No modes of expressing honor and gratitude 
have been withheld. The brass, the granite and 
the marble, have been impressed with the story of 
their deeds. The lofty column raised here and 
there, to proclaim for all coming time their fidelity 
to home, to country, and so to universal humanity. 
So high that column, so grandly massive, so im- 
posing, the very clouds rest in weariness, at times, 
upon its summit. 

History has traced their story in rapturous eu- 
logy, committing this devotion to freedom and 
defence of right, to the keeping of undying 
fame. Very beautiful is this fidelity to country 
and home. The patriot, whose love of country is 
supreme over all selfish aims, who fearlessly lives 
or nobly dies in loving fidelity to the claim of 
right, reaches the highest goal of fame. Before 
the crown of martyrdom, presented as the price 
of civil, or religious freedom, the pageantry of 
power and boundless dominion sink into worthless 
insignificance. Very beautiful is fidelity to truth 
in all its bearings ; especially beautiful is fidelity 



m£ BEAUmVL IN /^WELITV. 91 

through all the social order of life. How very 
beautiful are all its offices in the relation of neigh- 
bor and friend, where each duty is kindly ac- 
knowledged, and carefully performed without re- 
spect to the self-sacrifice often demanded. But a 
true fidelity to those we love, is not confined in 
its presence, or manifestation to the brief space 
wherein we may sometimes walk together on earth. 
We may see our loved ones, no more, with the nat- 
ural eye, but would still be true to their wishes and 
faithfully observant of their remembered teachings. 

Fidelity is everywhere beautiful, but nowhere 
does it really appear in such heavenly features, as 
when it copies the pure example of departed ex- 
cellence, when it yields with religious tenderness to 
their silent wishes, when it cherishes a pure affec- 
tion, undimmed by the shadowing darkness of the 
tomb. 

Verily, a faithful, practical acknowledgment of 
the manifold duties we owe to the livino^, and a 
purified devotion for our cherished dead, form the 
perfect ideal of what is implied in fidelity — that 
fidelity, which is the expression of a noble life, 
and implying that excellence, which should be the 
constant aim to exercise. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 



The Beautiful in Friendship. 

" There is friendship only among the good," said Cicero. 
Friendship that is rare must have its foundation in the love of 
excellence alone, which brings to the alliance all that is noblest 
and deepest in human faculties. — M. Le Baron Degerando. 

Friendship can exist only among the good. Its 
name is familiar and its seeming presence every- 
where ; but with the good it only lives in its true 
life and beauty. Our social tendencies are so 
strong, that the expression my friend " is an early 
and favorite form of address ; it continues such, 
when other terms and usages of early life are dis- ' 
carded. We do not choose here, as in the case of 
beauty itself, to enter into an analysis of what is, 
or what receives the name of friendship. But the 
results of the genuine sentiment must ever awaken 
the feeling of the beautiful. 

Similarity in age, taste, and habits of life may 
favor the existence of friendship ; but these an- 
swering conditions are not strictly important. 



THE BE A UTIFUL IN FRIENDSHIP. 93 

They may tend to modify, but can never control, 
the tendency of noble hearts in the disposition to 
seek the alliance of a devoted friendship. This 
unselfish union of generous souls must ever pre- 
sent an interesting subject for contemplation with 
all who love human happiness, or admire human 
excellence. If we do not often meet the perfect 
illustrations of the holy and the beautiful in friend- 
ship, yet, when we do, there is a consciousness of 
an inexpressible charm. We then desire, like 
Dionysius of old, to be admitted into this league 
of noble souls. 

The classic page often delights with its fascinat- 
ing examples of beautiful and devoted friendships. 
The gravity of the Roman character was in no 
way opposed to its holy offices. The greater 
susceptibility of the Grecian character multiplied 
the instances and heightened the effect of a gener- 
ous devotion, whenever and wherever manifested. 
Whether it beamed in soft radiance within the 
shades of Academus, intensified the patriotism and 
determined bravery of the battle-field, or strength- 
ened the power of the Portico, it was at all times 
beautiful. But from the sacred pages we have ex- 



94 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

amples speaking of the truest and noblest self- 
sacrifice, and we should expect beforehand such 
would be the fact, that here there would be illus- 
trations of the beautiful in devotion more impress- 
ive than elsewhere. The poet and the painter, the 
happy illustrators of the heart and life, have each, 
in turn, selected the scene of the parting of Ruth 
and Naomi, as replete with the suggestions of the 
beautiful ; while no example can express better 
the lovely characteristics of a pure and unselfish 
devotion. The sun of Syria has looked dowm 
upon few scenes more pathetic or beautiful, than 
the attempted parting of the Moabitess and her 
mother-in-law ; pathetic from the great poverty 
of the stricken, childless widow, returning to her 
native land so desolate, so pitiful. One camel, and 
that lightly laden, was sufficient for the worldly 
goods of Naomi, who had gone forth into the 
country of the stranger encompassed with, wealth. 
The scene was beautiful, as it was hallowed by 
such deep and tender devotion, as finds expression 
in the chastely impassioned words of her daughter- 
in-law. The loved and the lost to sight perhaps 
were there, mingling unseen in their purified sym- 



THE BEA UTIFUL IN FR TENDS HIP. 95 

pathies, and rejoicing in the almost seraphic beauty 
and warmth of the devoted Ruth ; while Naomi's 
human heart yearned for the love and companion- 
ship the most painful bereavement still had left to 
her. Yet a sense of justice and a yielding to self- 
sLicrifice prevailed. With the saddest heart she 
counsels her daughters-in-law to leave her to her 
lot of loneliness ; to turn back to their kindred 
and seek new tics of happiness and home. 

But the loving Ruth is lost to every motive of 
worldly interest ; she could not turn back ; she is 
deaf to every promise of gladness that would win 
her presence to familiar scenes ; her whole soul 
yields to a deep sentiment of the pure and beauti- 
ful. She would resign all, but an unselfish de- 
votion to the widowed and sorrowing Naomi. 
Urged homeward to claims that must be very dear 
to her still youthful heart, she answers tearfully 
and tenderly her sorrowing friend, " Where thoit 
goest I will go," and henceforth " thy people," so 
alien to mine, so stern and naturally unlovely, shall 
indeed for thy sake be my people, and thy God 
my God." Well might that sad heart forget all 
its bereavements, its very deep sorrows, in the truth 



96 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

and beauty of such devotion , admit into its dark- 
ened chambers the joy of a purer devotion, than it 
had ever known before. 

Differing, but intensely interesting, is the more 
famiHar and better appreciated friendship of David 
and Jonathan, which forms such a charming epi- 
sode in the royal history of Israel. The noble, 
impulsive, and very poetic turn of David's mind 
must have rendered him a proper subject for the 
generous emotions of a true friendship. His 
lofty patriotism, his heroic daring, his firm faith 
in the god of battles, make his early history 
very attractive. In kingly courts we see him 
soothing and fascinating by his rare accomplish- 
ments ; we mark with lively admiration his self- 
control, his modesty and generous forgiveness of 
injury. But when we see all his manly, noble, yet 
sensitive soul bowing itself at the shrine of a de- 
voted friendship, we feel that no element of the 
truly great, or nobly good, is wanting for the per- 
fection of his character. 

We are touched by the frequent charm of classic 
lay, when with its own artistic skill it portrays 
the beautiful in friendship. The unequalled liter- 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN FRIENDSHIP. 97 

ature, too, of our own language never inspires a 
more pleasing fascination than when it is conse- 
crated to the heart's holiest tenderness. From 
Spenser to Tennyson we are made to feel how 
impressively beautiful are the delineations of that 
least earthly form of love that we may call friend- 
ship. We are made to feel how naturally and 
gracefully it ever wins the poet's sweetest lay. 
Nowhere is the lament of the princely David over 
the untimely death of his brave knightly friend sur- 
passed in delicate tenderness and touching beauty. 
Indeed, we are led to acknowledge there is noth- 
ing more charming or holy in all the wide and 
varied world of the affections, than an abiding- 
friendship. Its offices and character both delight 
and elevate. In character it is the recognition and 
sympathy of answering nobility in human souls. 
It is the essence of the morally beautiful, filling 
the soul with beauty and unobtrusive excellence. 
A true friendship shrinks not from generous self- 
sacrifice ; it is faithful even unto death. 

It is capable of influence by the strictly spiritual 
and unseen, holding sweet intercourse with souls 
no longer embodied here. It shrines its holy 
7 



98 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

offices in tenderest memories, and lives the life of 
heaven, while seemingly of the earth. As it de- 
mands forgetfulness of self, it may be sustained in 
strength and beauty when every other form of 
tenderness would languish for want of positive 
support in sympathizing humanity. So pure and 
ethereal is the vitality of true friendship, that it 
lives without the ministrations of the sensible, as 
demanded by other emotions. It is born of nobil- 
ity and purity, and lives its life of beauty in hearts 
consecrated to excellence. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



The Beautiful in True Piety. 

Know, 

Without star or angel for their guide, 
Who worship God shall find Him. Humble love, 
And not proud reason, keeps the door of heaven : 
Love finds admission where proud science fails. 

Young. 

The economy of this world originates in the 
will and wisdom of an eternal and all-pervading 
power. To bow with the heart's full submission 
to that will, to perceive and acknowledge that all- 
pervading power, constitute the excellent and 
beautiful in true piety. Obedience, love, and ven- 
eration compose its essence. 

Very happy and most important is it to possess 
an early and right understanding of the goodness 
of God, to permit the love of the great Creator to 
swell the heart into profound adoration. True 
pi,ety is not the result of nicely formulated systems 
of belief. If we attempt to inspire the heart alone 
through such agency the failure must be signal. 



100 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

Forms of faith and Christian practice are very 
necessary, and may prove very useful as means 
leading to a gracious end, especially when they 
are the faithful exponents of Scriptural truth. 
But systems cannot inspire true piety. No form, 
however perfect in itself, can impart vitality. It 
is the Spirit alone that quickeneth. 

True piety, which so enshrines the perfection of 
the beautiful, consists actively in loving God as 
the creator of this world of ours, and as the cre- 
ator of the universe of worlds by which it is sur- 
rounded. True piety is not only the acknowledg- 
ment of God as the author of material exist- 
ences, but the author of the living soul, the en- 
dower of its intelligence. God is the supreme 
giver of its moral sense, appointing the conditions 
of its responsibility and its capability, and with all 
imparting such pervading and delicate sense of the 
beautiful and the true. To our love of God as 
the Creator, piety demands our loving Him more 
intensely as the soul's Redeemer, showing forth, 
day by day, our recognition of the wisdom of His 
providence, and our perfect trust in His merciful 
care. The beautiful and holy in true piety re- 



ink BEAUTIFUL IN TRUE PIETY. lOl 

quires by His express command that we love our 
neighbor as ourselves, that we should love him as 
the offspring of the same parent, as the sharer of 
the same destiny, as the heir of the same immortal 
and glorious promises. 

When the veil is lifted from our naturally dark- 
ened vision, and we can see God, as if face to face, 
in all His gracious and wondrous works, our hu- 
manity then reflects anew the image of its Cre- 
ator. When the heart is filled with His worship, 
and overflows with the kind, the sympathetic, the 
loving, and the just, then does the beautiful in 
true piety live within us and beam around us, in 
its own pure and heavenly radiance. 



CHAPTER XX. 



The Beautiful in Charity. 

Meek and lowly, pure and holy, 
Heaven-born art thou, Charity. 
Hoping ever, failing never, 

Though deceived, believing still ; 
Long abiding, all confiding 

To thy heavenly Father's will ; 
Never weary of well-doing, 

Never fearful of the end ; 
Claiming all mankind as brothers, 

Thou dost all alike befriend. 

Jeffries. 

Charity, in the sense of giving, has its ever 
present charm. To give in a worthy cause, that 
act carries with itself the highest form of satisfac- 
tion. A twofold good is the result of every act of 
a true charity, as both the giver and the receiver 
are richly blest. 

As a people we have been educated successfully 
in the matter of giving, especially during these 
last two decades and more. The soldier of the 
Union and his orphan child, how these have ap- 
pealed to the nation's deep sympathy, and how 



THE BEAUTIFUL m CHARITY. 103 

touchingly beautiful has been the response, how 
fully and nobly have their claims been met. 

How fully and how nobly, too, has response after 
response gone forth with every new demand that 
has been made. No display of the sympathetic in 
feeling and the generous in giving can be sur- 
passed in the heartiness and promptitude which 
the calamities of fire and flood and the desolations 
of disease have called forth among us. When a 
great city was overswept with flame and its thou- 
sands left without clothing, food, or shelter, how 
the heart of the whole country seemed to beat 
with the one desire to afford relief. There was a 
marked forgetfulness of everything save that of 
earnest ministry in behalf of the suffering. It 
formed one of the most beautiful outpourings of 
charity — with all its sympathetic kindness — that 
need be instanced. As a people, it may be re- 
peated, we have been trained in the virtue of giv- 
ing — of giving, not from mere habit, but from real 
sympathy with distress and the kindly desire to 
i^elieve, the desire where ostentation bears no con- 
spicuous part. We may well rejoice in the ab- 
sence of this unlovely feature of making the char- 



I04 THE BEAUTIFUL. 

ity of giving an ostentation. The beautiful in 
chanty can only exist when, in obedience to the 
holy admonition, heartlessness and the ostenta- 
tious in the act are laid aside. 

It is very beautiful to give when the generous 
giver may himself see something of the wisdom 
and value of his particular form of benevolence, 
may see something of its great usefulness in be- 
half of the generation indeed, that has awakened 
his sympathy, and called into existence his gener- 
osity. 

We are every day made glad that there are so 
many who take up this right form of thinking and 
philosophical action. Those noble ones and 
blessed, who give to-day in life's warmth, fulness, 
and beauty, especially to lessen sorrow and suffer- 
ing, and who give also with a noble generosity for 
the higher culture of talent and the gracious end 
of establishing through this medium a capacity for 
a truer and wuser citizenship. Ignorance, super- 
stition, and vice drag downward to the lowest 
levels, while knowledge, truth, and virtue elevate 
to the highest rank. 

It is beautiful to give in liberality, to aid in car- 



THE BEAUTIFC-L IX CHARITY. 105 

rvinof forward useful and meritorious undertakines 
which might otherwise fail, and so the art, or its 
improvement, or the proposed discovery, might 
be set back for an age, or entirely lost. 

Had Isabella said linally to Columbus, when 
suing so earnesth' for her patronage, " I have use 
now for really more than 1 can command, but, 
eventually, if anything can be secured, it shall be 
given to aid the discovery of those unknown lands 
of which you so confidently speak." The great 
navio^ator, beincr thus baffled bv refusal and 
wearied b}' unlimited delay, the discovery of the 
western world mi^ht have remained unknown for 
ages longer. So, the brightest page in human 
history might have remained unwritten still. 

Had the great scientist, Agassiz, been unpro- 
vided with means for his Brazilian explorations, 
what an amount of knowledge would have been 
lost, to this generation, at least. 

It is the to-day of ever)- human life that is so 
important when, if its work be done, it cannot fail 
to be effective. How beautiful, then, in this to- 
day to give to him that needeth, and from him 



io6 



THE BEAUTIFUL. 



that asketh not to turn away when the power to 
comply has been imparted. 

But charity in its true Scriptural aspect must 
excel, for it is declared the crowning virtue of 
Christian perfection. It is placed above faith, 
that sublime sentiment ; yea, and above hope, too, 

that springs eternal in the human breast," the 
sustainer and comforter from life's beginning to 
its close, brightening to the last, and forsaking 
never. But the greater still is charity, the holy 
love and beautiful, that binds the heart to all 
good. For now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity, 
these three ; but the greatest of these is Charity. 



THE END. 



\ 



